Filing for Divorce in Florida

    Knowledge is power and you are on the way to getting more power by studying this chart.  Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or are using an attorney, your divorce will be smoother and more stress-free if you have an overview of the entire process.

    The majority of divorces take the path that ends at mediation, followed by a final hearing.  If you can successfully negotiate for the things you want, the path through mediation offers the least-cost, least-stressful way to your divorce.  Throughout this website you will see certain words used frequently: negotiate, bargain, deal, trade, mediate, and settle.  That is because divorce is more of a negotiation than a lawsuit.  You should learn everything you can and take an active part in negotiation.  This approach will get you a better settlement. 

    The people who come out ahead treat divorce for what it really is: a negotiation over money and property, and future provisions for your children.  People with children should always keep one important thing in mind:  children are not money or property and your goal is to give them the most support possible throughout this process.

Common Divorce Questions and Answers:

Q: How much is the filing fee?   
A: Every court in Florida charges the same:  $363 .  There is also a cost for the process server.

Q: Do I need an attorney?  
A: The short answer is NO.  You have the right to be your own attorney.  But divorce filings are a complex procedure.  You can file your own divorce and see it to the end successfully.  But there are may issues you will never be aware of.  Divorce mistakes are costly and can be hard to reverse after final judgment.  Get a divorce attorney if you can afford one.  The cost is worth it in the long run.

Q: How long does it take to file the divorce papers?   
A: If you use an attorney, a lot of the initial delay depends on how fast you gather the required information - required for drafting the divorce papers.  In general, from the time we take in a client to the time we serve the spouse is approximately 10 days.

Q: I recently moved here.  Can I file for divorce in Florida ?   
A: You can file for divorce in Florida after living here, and becoming a permanent resident for six months prior to the filing.

Q: Do I have to file in the county where I was married?   
A: No.  The only thing that matters for divorce filings is where you last resided as husband and wife or where you currently reside.

   Divorce can be the single most important event in your life.  Make sure you gather lots of information so you can make informed decisions.  Many people can benefit from the advice of a good, honest, loyal divorce attorney.  The Divorce Center can provide a divorce attorney that can help you protect yourself.  A lawyer is not an expense in a divorce case - they are an investment. We help clients in Hernando County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, and Hillsborough County. Our service area includes Tampa, Clearwater, Largo, New Port Richey, Brooksville, Dade City, and the New Tampa area. CONTACT US NOW or call 888-469-3486